Russian Doll Season 2 Release Date, Cast, And Trailer - What We Know So Far
When Netflix released its trippy sci-fi dramedy "Russian Doll" in 2019, the series quickly became a bona fide hit for the streamer. The story of Nadia (Natasha Lyonne), a seemingly ordinary woman who ends up on a time-looping journey that forces her to grapple with the existential struggles with life, death, love, and everything in between, resonated with critics and viewers alike. "Russian Doll" would go on to be nominated for a whopping 13 Primetime Emmy Awards (including outstanding comedy series), winning three and becoming one of the most noteworthy hits in Netflix's considerable canon of original shows in the process. Those nominations included several for Lyonne, who co-created "Russian Doll" alongside Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler, and who delivered a show-stopping, career-redefining performance in the lead role.
For many, the only problem with "Russian Doll" is that it consisted of just eight half-hour episodes. That approach, of course, added a welcome sense of immediacy to the action, but it clearly also left fans wanting more. And more they shall have, as another season is officially on its way to Netflix. Here's what we know so far about "Russian Doll" Season 2.
Updated April 7, 2022: This article has been updated to include the latest trailer for Season 2.
What's the release date for Russian Doll Season 2?
Although it has been several years since Season 1 of "Russian Doll" dropped on Netflix, a second (and third) installment of the series was planned from the beginning. In 2019, Natasha Lyonne told The Hollywood Reporter that she and her creative partners had pitched the series as a three-part saga. And based on the reception to Season 1, it was no particular surprise that Netflix was very much on board for Season 2.
Per Deadline, that season was initially set to shoot in early 2020 before, ya know, all that happened. In 2021, production on Season 2 of "Russian Doll" eventually picked back up in New York City (via Backstage). Now, thanks to a teaser for the show's 2nd season, we finally know when we'll get to see what became of Nadia and Alan (Charlie Barnett) after they managed to break their respective loops. And fans of the series should be delighted to know that it'll be hitting Netflix sooner rather than later: the streamer has confirmed that Season 2 of "Russian Doll" will arrive on April 20, 2022.
Who is starring in Season 2 of Russian Doll?
"Russian Doll" fans should be thrilled to know that Natasha Lyonne and Charlie Barnett are indeed set to reprise their roles as the time-looping Nadia and Alan for the show's new season, though their Season 2 adventure is sure to differ dramatically from their initial live-die-repeat journey. No matter what the future has in store for the duo, we do know that, per Collider, they will be joined by a few of their friends from Season 1. This includes series regulars Greta Lee, who's returning as Nadia's "Happy Birthday Sweet Baby!" bestie Maxine, Yul Vazquez, who will again be portraying Nadia's kind-but-problematic ex John, and Elizabeth Ashley as Nadia's therapist, Ruth.
It should be fascinating to see what new places and faces the crew encounters in Season 2 of "Russain Doll." And we can confirm, per a 2021 Variety report, that a few of the series' new faces will be very familiar to viewers: Annie Murphy ("Schitt's Creek"), Sharlto Copley ("District 9"), and Carolyn Michelle Smith ("Colony") are all boarding the project in as-yet-unspecified roles.
The teaser trailer for Russian Doll Season 2 is here
Yes, there is now an official trailer for the 2nd season of "Russian Doll." Initially, on March 7, Netflix premiered a cryptic 49-second teaser trailer, revealing few concrete plot details. Then, exactly one month later, the streaming service released its first full trailer for the upcoming "Russian Doll" season.
At the new trailer's opening, Nadia rides a train full of cultural touchstones from the 1980s, appearing somewhat disoriented. It soon becomes apparent that the train has transported her to the 1980s. Soon after that, she discusses a mission to locate some lost gold, which seems to be at least part of the impetus for her traveling back in time. A subsequent shot of some soldiers on board another, older-looking train suggest that Nadia will be visiting a number of other past decades throughout the season. All the while, her adventures are underscored by plenty of trippy time travel talk and mind-bending visuals.
It seems that as wild as Season 1 of "Russian Doll" got, they might get even wilder in Season 2. And that prospect should have the whole of the "Russian Doll" fandom eagerly anticipating April 20, 2022.